3 dead in Honolulu high-rise fire, mayor says

Honolulu's mayor says at least three people were killed in a huge fire at a high-rise. Authorities say it's not clear what started the blaze.

3 dead in Honolulu high-rise fire, mayor says

Honolulu's mayor says at least three people were killed in a huge fire at a high-rise. Authorities say it's not clear what started the blaze.

HONOLULU, Hawaii — At least three people were killed Friday in a massive fire at a Honolulu high-rise, the city’s mayor, Kirk Caldwell, said.

The blaze began around 2:15 p.m. Hawaiian time (8:15 p.m. ET) on the 26th floor of the Marco Polo Apartments, a 538-unit building that houses condominiums and apartments on Kapiolani Boulevard, Caldwell said.

The victims, two women and a man, were found in two apartments on the 26th floor, fire officials said.

Five people, including a firefighter who was treated for heat exhaustion, were taken to the hospital in serious condition, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. David Jenkins said. The firefighter, who was among about 100 comrades who worked to extinguish the flames and evacuate residents, has been released.

The fire was “under control” just before 7 p.m. Hawaiian time (1 a.m. ET), the mayor wrote on Twitter.

Apartment lacked sprinklers

Honolulu’s mayor says at least three people were killed in a huge fire at a high-rise. Authorities say it’s not clear what started the blaze.

It’s not clear what started the fire, though the apartment where it started did not have sprinklers, authorities said.

“Without a doubt, if there was sprinklers in this apartment, the fire would be contained to the unit of origin,” Honolulu Fire Chief Manuel Neves said.

From its the origination point on the 26th floor, the blaze spread directly upward two floors, resident Joel Horiguchi told CNN.

“I looked out my window, and noticed black smoke,” Horiguchi said. “I then opened my window to find the fire was a unit above us, just across. I also heard a neighbor above screaming for help.”

Firefighters and police went door-to-door in search of residents.

“It was smoke at first and it got worse and worse,” Daniel Hildebrandt, a tour guide who saw the fire told CNN. “There were flames coming out of the window and people that seem to be trapped on their balcony.”